WREXHAM’S Chamber of Trade and Tourism is preparing for a battle in a row over the proposed introduction of evening on-street parking charges.

Last week the Leader reported that the chamber was up in arms over plans by Wrexham Council to bring in the parking fees.

Chamber chairman Stephanie Booth says she has received overwhelming support from members of the public over the issue.

“There have been plenty of comments made about this on internet sites and the clear view point is that people don’t want the charges.

“We are in a democracy and the opinion of the public is clear. Parking fees would be a massive blow to the economic lifeblood of Wrexham.”

People have been logging on to the Leader’s website with their views.

Les Parry wrote: “I sympathise with the traders. This is a totally ludicrous idea.”

Watchdog says: “Another nail in the coffin of the small trader and another Wrexham tax on the shoppers. Chester does not even have this tax. There is a need to fight if you are a Wrexham business person or shopper.”

The council says the package of measures would generate an extra £180,000.

At their meeting tomorrow members of the authority’s executive board will be asked to approve a three-year rolling programme which would see charges for evening and on-street parking.

But Mrs Booth has complained the chamber was only given a few hours notice by Wrexham Council to put forward questions on the parking issue, ready for tomorrow’s meeting.

Mrs Booth said the chamber intended to be represented at the meeting and she warned if the traders were not allowed to have a proper voice they would have to consider a boycott on paying business rates.

Trevor Coxon, chief legal and democratic services officer, said the parking charges issue had been raised previously at other forums.

He added: “Anyone who missed the deadline for Tuesday’s meeting is at liberty to email or write beforehand to members of the executive board or the chief environment officer to make their feelings known about the report.

“Members of the public may also attend the meeting to hear the debate and I am informed that a public statement on this matter has been submitted within the time allowed and will be discussed at the meeting."